Universal camera control unit

ABSTRACT

An endoscopic video system that provides for multiple differing inputs from a plurality of different attached devices types including, for example, High-Definition and Standard-Definition signals, the camera control automatically sensing and configuring itself based upon the connected devices (e.g. camera and display). The system further provides for scaling of input and output signals depending as necessary.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a multi-function camera control unit, and moreparticularly, to a camera control unit that is capable of receivinginputs from multiple different types of cameras having diverse signalformats and may generate diverse output signals compatible withdiffering displays.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A Camera Control Unit (“CCU”) is generally used in conjunction with acamera to capture and process images. The camera may include chargecouple devices (“CCD”), CMOS devices or any other type of image capturedevice. They are typically used in conjunction with an endoscope togenerate image data of an area to be viewed during a procedure. Theimage data is transmitted to the CCU. The CCU then processes the imagedata into displayable image data to be sent to a display. The CCU mayalso send commands to the camera in order to operate and adjust camerasettings.

Known CCUs typically control a single type of camera by receiving andprocessing image data generated by the camera. The CCU controls thecamera by adjusting color balance, light, focal distance, resolution,zoom, focus, shading, and other typical optical characteristics.

Traditionally, CCUs have been compatible with a limited number ofdevices because the control unit hardware, through which commands weresent and image signals were received, was difficult to configure tocommunicate with the many different types of devices in the market. Forexample, different devices may have varying electronicrequirements/connections in order to function properly. Devices may beeither analog or digital. In addition, some types of cameras aredesignated to pick up certain colors such as red or green while otherspick up blue. In addition, as changes and improvements are made todevices, a control unit's hardware, which was configured to becompatible with older devices, may become incompatible and may need tobe upgraded as well.

Because a CCU was compatible with limited quantities of devices, olderCCUs were typically discarded in favor of CCUs that were madeconcurrently with particular devices. In order to address compatibilityproblems, configurable CCUs were introduced to function with a number ofdiffering camera types.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,627,583 (“Nakamura et al.”) relates to anelectroendoscope system that is compatible with a plurality of differentendoscope types. However, Nakamura et al. fails to teach, disclose orsuggest a system that is compatible with fundamentally differing signaltypes, such as for instance, a standard definition and a high-definitionsignal format. In addition, Nakamura et al. fails to teach or suggest asystem that is compatible or usable with numerous differing displaytypes, such as for instance, standard definition and high-definitiondisplays. Therefore, while Nakamura et al. does provide for someversatility with regard to the attached camera, e.g. can configureitself to control the attached camera and receive the generated imagesignal, the CCU taught in Nakamura et al. is still limited to being ableto receive a single type of image signal input (e.g. an analog input)and a single image signal format output (See, Col. 3, In. 60—Col. 4, In.4; Col. 4, Ins. 58-67).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

What is desired, therefore, is to provide a system and method that iscapable of maintaining compatibility different devices that may havefundamentally different signal formats.

It is also desired to provide a system and method that can automaticallydetect the type of device attached and can then automatically configureitself to be compatible with and control the attached device.

It is further desired to provide a system and method that is compatiblewith many different types of displays.

It is still further desired to provide a system and method that canautomatically detect the type of connected display and can thenautomatically configure itself to be compatible with and control theattached display.

It is yet further desired to provide a system and method that canreceive information from a connected device and automatically detectwhether the received information is most up-to-date information for theattached device and if not, provide upgraded information to the attacheddevice.

It is still further desired to provide a system and method that canaccept either a standard or a high definition input signal from an inputdevice and provide either a standard or a high definition output signalfor an attached output device.

These and other objects are achieved in one advantageous embodiment inwhich a video imaging system is provided including a CCU the canautomatically sense and identify a connected device, such as a camera,the CCU configuring and/or programming itself based on the identifieddevice. A camera is provided to receive reflected light from an area tobe viewed and for generation of image data representative of thereflected light. There are many different types of cameras and a numberof different signal formats for the image data including, for example,Standard Definition (SD) and High Definition (HD) signals. In order toconfigure itself, the CCU retrieves and/or receives a program ormultiple programs stored on a storage device. The retrieved program(s)execute on the camera control unit for enabling the camera control unitto process the image data. The digital input signal from an attachedcamera can vary widely, for example they may include but not are limitedto ranges from 200×200 pixel resolution to 1920×1080 pixel resolution.

It is contemplated that the storage device may be any type of storagemedium accessible by the control unit. For instance, it may be aninternal, external, or removable drive and may also include a remotelocation, such as an Internet location. The storage device may also belocated within the camera and/or the CCU. It is further contemplatedthat multiple storage devices and/or locations may be used to providethe latest version of software and/or programs for the configurablecontrol unit.

In addition, the CCU also senses and identifies a connected display andconfigures an output signal to be compatible with the identifieddisplay. The output signal may variously be compatible with, forexample, NTSC or PAL formats and may be provided as an SD or an HDsignal. In addition to providing a compatible video signal output to anattached display, the CCU configures output control signals to properlycontrol the attached display.

The CCU may be provided as a field programmable gate array (e.g. aconfigurable hardware device) or may be provided as a microprocessor ora Digital Signal Processor (DSP) (e.g. a soft configurable device). Inany event, the CCU detects and identifies the connected device, e.g. aparticular camera and/or a particular display, storage or other device,and configures itself to be compatible with the connected devices bothfor function and control. To function properly with a camera, the CCUwill configure itself so as to be able to receive image data from and tobe able to send command signals to the camera to control, for example,the camera's optical functional characteristics including: focaldistance, resolution, light balance or color and the like.

In one advantageous embodiment, the CCU is provided with amicroprocessor that receives a processor program for programming themicroprocessor and a device program for programming and / or configuringthe configurable device to process the received image data.

The term “data” as used herein means any indicia, signals, marks,symbols, domains, symbol sets, representations, and any other physicalform or forms representing information, whether permanent or temporary,whether visible, audible, acoustic, electric, magnetic, electromagneticor otherwise manifested. The term “data” as used to representpredetermined information in one physical form shall be deemed toencompass any and all representations of the same predeterminedinformation in a different physical form or forms.

The term “network” as used herein includes both networks andinternetworks of all kinds, including the Internet, and is not limitedto any particular network, inter-network, or intra-network.

The terms “coupled”, “coupled to”, and “coupled with” as used hereineach mean a relationship between or among two or more devices,apparatus, files, programs, media, components, networks, systems,subsystems, and/or means, constituting any one or more of (a) aconnection, whether direct or through one or more other devices,apparatui, files, programs, media, components, networks, systems,subsystems, or means, (b) a communications relationship, whether director through one or more other devices, apparatui, files, programs, media,components, networks, systems, subsystems, or means, and/or (c) afunctional relationship in which the operation of any one or moredevices, apparatui, files, programs, media, components, networks,systems, subsystems, or means depends, in whole or in part, on theoperation of any one or more others thereof.

In one advantageous embodiment, a video endoscopic system is providedcomprising, a camera for generating image data and a display fordisplaying the image data. The system further comprises a camera controlunit coupling the camera to the display. The camera control unit has afirst input for transmitting and receiving a first signal format and asecond input for transmitting and receiving a second signal format thatis different from the first signal format. The camera control unit alsohas an output for transmitting the image data to the display.

In another advantageous embodiment, a method for transmitting image datafrom multiple cameras having differing signal formats to a cameracontrol unit and a display is provided comprising the step of providing,a first receptacle and a second receptacle in the camera control unit,the first receptacle having a first configuration and the secondreceptacle having a second configuration that is different from thefirst configuration. The method further comprises the steps of providinga camera having one of either a first plug configuration or a secondplug configuration that couples to the first and second receptacleconfigurations respectively, coupling the camera to one of the first orsecond receptacles and receiving a camera identifier and a program. Themethod still further comprises the steps of configuring the cameracontrol unit based on the camera identifier and received program,coupling the camera control unit to the display and receiving a displayidentifier. Finally, the method comprises the steps of configuring anoutput signal to be compatible with the connected display, transmittingimage data to the display and displaying the image data on the display.

Other objects of the invention and its particular features andadvantages will become more apparent from consideration of the followingdrawings and accompanying detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one advantageous embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the advantageous embodiment according toFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the advantageous embodiment according toFIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the advantageous embodiment according toFIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of the Camera Control Unit according to theadvantageous embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of the Camera Control Unit according to theadvantageous embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of input and output dimension for HD projectresampling for NTSC.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of input and output dimension for HD projectresampling for PAL.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designatecorresponding structure throughout the views.

FIG. 1 depicts a system 100 comprising a camera 104 for generating imagedata. Camera 104 is connected to camera control unit 102 via a coupling116. The coupling 116 is provided to supply electrical power to camera104 as well as to transmit data between camera 104 and camera controlunit 102. Camera control unit 102 is provided with at least twodifferent inputs, including, a High-Definition (HD) Input 108 and aStandard-Definition (SD) Input 110. As used in this application, SDgenerally refers to a line count of up to approximately 720×480 NTSC andPAL; while HD refers to systems that utilize a higher line count and mayinclude, for example but not limited to, 1280×720 progressive or1920×1080 or interlaced, which are only two of the commonly used HDresolutions. Depending on the camera type (SD or HD) a user will attachthe camera to either the HD input 108 or the SD input 110.

Also shown in FIG. 1 is processor/configurable device 128 shown incamera control unit 102. Based on the connected camera, the cameracontrol unit 102 will be configured to function with the connectedcamera 104 via either the HD input 108 or the SD input 110.

Two different output types are illustrated in FIG. 1 including, HDoutput 112 and SD output 114. It is contemplated that a display 106 maybe connected to camera control unit 102 via a coupling 118. Uponconnection, the camera control unit 102 can detect the attached display106 and determine the correct signal format for proper functioning ofdisplay 106. For example, display 106 may be designed to display only SDvideo signals. That being the case, camera control unit 102 willtransmit an SD signal format to display 106 whether an SD or an HDcamera is connected. Alternatively, it may be determined that theconnected display 106 may be designed to display HD video signals. Inthis case, if the connected camera 104 is an HD camera, an HD signal istransmitted to display 106. If however, an SD camera 104 is connected tocamera control unit 102, an enhanced SD signal may be transmitted to theHD display 106. In this manner the following signal format types may beused SD_(input)→SD_(output); SD_(input)→Enhanced SD_(output);HD_(input)→SD_(output); and HD_(input)→HD_(output). It should be notedthat categorization of inputs and outputs as SD or HD is not intended tolimit the categories to a single signal format, but rather, manydiffering signal formats may be categorized as SD and many differingsignal formats may be categorized as HD.

It is contemplated that configuration information for either camera 104and / or display 106 may be located on camera 104 and display 106respectively. Alternatively, configuration information may be located instorage 126 that may comprise an internal storage device for cameracontrol unit 102 with camera 104 and display 106 providing an identifierfor camera control unit 102 to look up the correct configurationinformation. Still further, configuration information may be remotelylocated and may be transmitted to camera control unit 102 via a line 120over a network connection 122 from a remote storage 124. The networkconnection 122 may include, for example, an Intranet, the Internetand/or the like.

Referring now to FIG. 2, an advantageous embodiment of the interactionbetween camera 104 and camera control unit 102 is illustrated. Forexample, upon connection of camera 104 to camera control unit 102, acamera identifier/program 130 stored on camera 104 may be transmitted ascamera information/program(s) 132 to camera control unit 102. It iscontemplated that the camera identifier may comprise discrete data ormay comprise a program. In addition, it is contemplated that one or moreprograms may be stored on camera 104 and transmitted as or with thecamera identification data. The processor and/or configurable device 128receives the camera information/program(s) and executes the program(s)142, which allows the processor and/or configurable device 128 toreceive and process image data generated and transmitted by camera 104.

It is further contemplated that one or more programs may be located oninternal storage 126 or may be located on remote storage 124. Forexample, upon connection of camera 104 to camera control unit 102,camera identifier 130 may be transmitted to camera control unit 102.Once identified, a program(s) may be transmitted to processor and/orconfigurable device 128 from camera 104, internal storage 126 or remotestorage 124.

Once processor and/or configurable device 128 is properly configured tofunction with camera 104, camera control unit 102 may issue commands 134to camera 104, for example, to adjust color balance, light, focaldistance, resolution, zoom, focus, shading, and other opticalcharacteristics. Camera 104 may then generate and transmit image data136, which is received and processed by camera control unit 102. Imagedata received and processed by camera control unit 102 is thentransmitted in the proper signal format to display 106.

Also illustrated in FIG. 2 is light path 138,140 and light source 144.It is contemplated that light source 144 may comprise virtually any typeof commonly used light source including, for example, a Light EmittingDiode while the light path may comprise, for instance, a coherent ornon-coherent fiber optic bundle. While the light path 138,140 isillustrated passing through camera control unit 102, it is contemplatedthat the light path may be separate and apart from camera control unit102. Additionally, it is contemplated that light path 138 may becombined into coupling 116 or light source 144 may be provided in camera104, or camera control unit 102.

FIG. 3 illustrates still another advantageous embodiment of the presentinvention. In this embodiment, display identifier 146 stored on display106 is transmitted as display identification 148 to camera control unit102. Once received, camera control unit 102 will determine a signalformat that will be compatible with display 106. Image data 150 willthen be transmitted to display 106 in the properly configured signalformat.

There are commonly used types of signal formats that are typically used,however, it is contemplated that additional formats may be provided forand especially new signal formats that may become available. The twocommonly used SD format types are NTSC and PAL. It should be noted thatthese are just two video signal formats and that there are manydiffering types and modifications to the above-listed types including,for example, a modified version Phase-Alternating Line (PAL-M). In anyevent, upon receipt of display information 148, camera control unit 102can retrieve information and/or a program from, for example, internalstorage 126, remote storage 124 or even from display 106 forconfiguration of the output signal for sending image data 150 in theproper format.

A number of examples will be provided of the input and output dimensionsfor HD resampling of NTSC and PAL formats. The following examples arepresented to further illustrate and explain the present invention andshould not be taken as limiting in any regard.

EXAMPLE 1 For NTSC the Specifications in one Advantageous Embodiment areas Follows

-   -   Active data: 484×756    -   Pixel dimensions: 4.75 H×5.55 V    -   FPS: 60/1.001=59.9401        Data stream (input and output) is running at 147.2727 MHz.

Dimensions of total input data (active and inactive). Total number ofinput lines: 525. To find the total number of pixels per line: in 1second there are 145.2727×10⁶ pixels. Also, in 1 second there are60/1.001 frames of (525×total number of pixels per input line(145.2727×10⁶/((60/1.001)×525)=4680.

Dimensions of total output data (active and inactive). Total number ofoutput lines: 1125. We can use the fact that the input and output framecorrespond to the same frame time. The total number of pixels per outputline is then: (525×4680)/1125=2184.

Dimensions of active input data. Out of a total of 525 lines, we assumethat 483 contain valid data (active lines). The number of input activelines is: 483. The number of pixels per active line is: 756 oversampledby 2=1512. The active lines need to be resampled (vertically) by afactor of 1125/525. The number of output lines is: 483×1125/525=1035. Itshould be noted that, in this case, 1125/525 gives an integer value sowe can work with; 1125/525 or 1035/483. Otherwise, the active line ratioshould be used. To determine the number of output pixels, we considerthe ratio of vertical resampling as well as the fact that the pixelsneed to be converted to square dimension. The number of output squarepixels=(1512/2×(4.75H/5.55V))×(1035/483)=1386.5˜1386. FIG. 7 illustratesthese numbers.

EXAMPLE 2 For PAL the Specifications in one Advantageous Embodiment areas Follows

-   -   Active data: 576×742    -   Pixel dimensions: 4.85 H×4.65 V    -   FPS: 50 (exactly)        Data stream (input and output) is running at 127.6875 MHz.

Dimensions of total input data (active and inactive). Total number ofinput lines: 625. To find the total number of pixels per line: in 1second there are 127.6875×10⁶ pixels. Also, in 1 second there are 50frames of (625×total number of pixels per input line(127.6875×10⁶/(50×625)=4086.

Dimensions of total output data (active and inactive). Total number ofoutput lines: 1125. We can use the fact that the input and output framecorrespond to the same frame time. The total number of pixels per outputline is then: (625×4086)/1125=2270.

Dimensions of active input data. Out of a total of 625 lines, we assumethat 573 contain valid data (active lines). The number of input activelines is: 575. The number of pixels per active line is: 742 oversampledby 2=1484. The active lines need to be resampled (vertically) by afactor of 1125/625. The number of output lines is: 575×1125/625=1035. Todetermine the number of output pixels, we consider the ratio of verticalresampling as well as the fact that the pixels need to be converted tosquare dimension. The number of output squarepixels=(1484/2×(4.85H/4.65V))×(1035/575)=1393. FIG. 8 illustrates thesenumbers.

In addition to the standard NTSC and PAL SD (NTSC and PAL) composite,RGB, and s-video (Y/C) outputs, numerous other outputs may be used. Thefollowing examples are presented to further illustrate and explain thepresent invention and should not be taken as limiting in any regard.

Serial Digital Interface (SDI), standardized in ITU-R BT.656 and SMPTE259M, is a digital video interface used for broadcast-grade video. Arelated standard, known as High Definition Serial Digital Interface(HD-SDI), is standardized in SMPTE 292M and provides a nominal data rateof 1.485 Gbit/s.

Digital Visual Interface (DVI) is a video interface standard designed tomaximize the visual quality of digital display devices such as flatpanel LCD computer displays and digital projectors and is partiallycompatible with the HDMI standard in digital mode (DVI-D). The DVIinterface uses a digital protocol in which the desired illumination ofpixels is transmitted as binary data. When the display is driven at itsnative resolution, it will read each number and apply that brightness tothe appropriate pixel. In this way, each pixel in the output buffer ofthe source device corresponds directly to one pixel in the displaydevice.

High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is an all-digitalaudio/visual interface capable of transmitting uncompressed streams.HDMI is compatible with High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP)Digital Rights Management technology. HDMI provides an interface betweenany compatible digital audio/video source and a compatible digital audioand/or video monitor, such as a digital television (DTV).

Referring now to FIG. 4 it is contemplated that a storage device forstoring the program(s) for configuration of the processor and/orconfigurable device 128 may reside on camera 104, internal storage 126,a removable storage 154 (e.g. a removable drive or storage medium) or aremote storage 124 (e.g. via a network connection). In this manner, whenthe camera control unit 102 receives the cameraidentification/program(s) 132 from camera 104, camera control unit 102can compare program(s) versions from the various storage mediums todetermine if the camera identification/program(s) received from camera104 is the latest version and if not, the camera information can beupdated. This can happen automatically, or the system could, forexample, prompt the user to decide whether or not to update the camerainformation. In addition, it is contemplated that based upon useraccess, certain programs and/or features may become available.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate the camera control unit 102 per one embodimentof the present invention. Camera control unit 102 includes a case 160having a front panel 162. Front panel 162 is provided with multipleinputs including, an HD receptacle 164 and an SD receptacle 166. Inaddition, a power switch 168 may also be positioned on front panel 162.Also positioned on front panel 162 is slideable door 170 and tracks 172.It is contemplated that a camera 104 is provided with a plug (not shown)that, based upon the camera configuration (e.g. either HD or SD), iskeyed to fit in either HD receptacle 164 or SD receptacle 166. The door170 may simply be slid to cover the receptacle that is not currently inuse. The door is provided with a protrusion(s) (not shown) that engagewith a channel 174 provided in tracks 172 so as to capture door 170 butstill allow for lateral sliding action.

It should be noted that, while HD receptacle 164 and SD receptacle 166are not illustrated including an optical connection or coupling, it iscontemplated that they may be provided with such.

Although the invention has been described with reference to a particulararrangement of parts, features and the like, these are not intended toexhaust all possible arrangements or features, and indeed many othermodifications and variations will be ascertainable to those of skill inthe art.

1. A video endoscopic system comprising: a camera for generating imagedata; a display for displaying the image data; a camera control unitcoupling said camera to said display, said camera control unit having: afirst input for receiving image data having first signal format; asecond input for receiving image data having second signal format thatis different from said first signal format; and an output fortransmitting the image data to said display.
 2. The video endoscopicsystem according to claim 1 wherein said first input comprises a firstreceptacle and said second input comprises a second receptacle.
 3. Thevideo endoscopic system according to claim 2 wherein said firstreceptacle is configured to receive a first plug and said secondreceptacles is configured to receive a second plug, where said first andsecond plugs comprise different configurations.
 4. The video endoscopicsystem according to claim 2 further comprising a door that selectivelycovers one of either said first or said second receptacles.
 5. The videoendoscopic system according to claim 4 wherein said door is slideablesuch that when the door covers said first receptacle, said secondreceptacle is exposed; and when said door covers said second receptacle,said first receptacle is exposed.
 6. The video endoscopic systemaccording to claim 5 further comprising a track engaging with saidslideable door, said slideable door comprising a protrusion that engageswith a recess in said track.
 7. The video endoscopic system according toclaim 6 wherein said track comprises at least two tracks, each trackhaving a recess, and said slideable door comprises at least twoprotrusions that engage with said recesses.
 8. The video endoscopicsystem according to claim 1 wherein said first input comprisesHigh-Definition (HD) input image data, and said second input comprises aStandard-Definition (SD) input image data.
 9. The video endoscopicsystem according to claim 1 wherein upon connection with said display,said camera control unit determines a compatible output signal formatfor said display.
 10. The video endoscopic system according to claim 9wherein the output signal format is selected from the group consistingof: NTSC, PAL, Serial Digital Interface (SDI), High Definition SerialDigital Interface (HD-SDI), Digital Visual Interface (DVI),High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) and combinations thereof.11. The video endoscopic system according to claim 1 wherein uponconnection of said camera to said camera control unit, a cameraidentifier and a program are transmitted to said camera control unitsuch that said camera control unit configures itself to be compatiblewith said camera.
 12. The video endoscopic system according to claim 11wherein said camera control unit further comprises a microprocessor forreceiving and executing the program and a configurable portion forreceiving the image data.
 13. The video endoscopic system according toclaim 12 wherein said microprocessor compares the received program witha second version of the program to determine if the received program isa latest version and if not, said camera is updated with the latestversion of the program.
 14. The video endoscopic system according toclaim 13 wherein the second version of the program is accessible by saidmicroprocessor via: an internal storage, a removable storage and/or anetwork connection to a remote storage.
 15. The video endoscopic systemaccording to claim 12 wherein said camera transmits a processor programfor programming said microprocessor and a device program for programmingthe configurable portion.
 16. The video endoscopic system according toclaim 12 wherein said configurable portion is selected from the groupconsisting of: a field programmable gate array, a microprocessor, adigital signal processor and combinations thereof.
 17. The videoendoscopic system according to claim 1 wherein said camera is coupled toan endoscope via a coupling mechanism.
 18. The video endoscopic systemaccording to claim 17 further comprising an illumination channel coupledto the endoscope, said illumination channel directing illuminating lightto the endoscope from a light source.
 19. A method for transmittingimage data from multiple cameras having differing signal formats to acamera control unit and a display via a camera control comprising thesteps of: providing a first receptacle and a second receptacle in thecamera control unit, the first receptacle having a first configurationand the second receptacle having a second configuration that isdifferent from the first configuration; providing a camera having one ofeither the first plug configuration or the second plug configurationthat couples to the first or second receptacle configurationsrespectively; coupling the camera to one of the first or secondreceptacles; receiving a camera identifier and a program; configuringthe camera control unit based on the camera identifier and receivedprogram; coupling the camera control unit to the display; receiving adisplay identifier; configuring an output signal to be compatible withthe connected display; transmitting the image data to the display; anddisplaying the image data on the display.
 20. The method according toclaim 19 further comprising the step of selectively covering one of thefirst or second receptacles with a slideable door.
 21. The methodaccording to claim 19 wherein said first input is a High-Definition (HD)image data input, and said second input is a Standard-Definition (SD)image data input.
 22. The method according to claim 21 furthercomprising the steps of scaling the image data received from the camerato a scaled size formal compatible with the identified display.
 23. Themethod according to claim 22 wherein when the identified display iscompatible with NTSC the HD image data is scaled according to a firstprocess, and when the display is compatible with PAL the SD image datais scaled according to a second process that is different from the firstprocess.
 24. The method according to claim 19 wherein the program isreceived from and stored on the camera.
 25. The method according toclaim 24 wherein the camera control unit compares the program receivedfrom the camera with another version of the program to determine if thereceived program is a latest version and if not, the camera is updatedwith the latest version of the program.
 26. A video endoscopic systemcomprising: a camera for generating image data; a plurality of displaysfor displaying the image data, each of said plurality of displays havingdiffering input signal requirements; a camera control unit coupling saidcamera to one of said plurality of displays; a display identifieridentifying a particular display coupled to said camera control unit;wherein upon connection of said camera control unit with one of saidplurality of differing displays, said camera control unit determines acompatible output signal format for said connected display andconfigures itself accordingly.
 27. The video endoscopic system accordingto claim 26 wherein upon connection of said display to said cameracontrol unit, a program is received by said camera control unit.
 28. Thevideo endoscopic system according to claim 26 wherein the output signalformat is selected from the group consisting of: NTSC, PAL, SerialDigital Interface (SDI), High Definition Serial Digital Interface(HD-SDI), Digital Visual Interface (DVI), High-Definition MultimediaInterface (HDMI) and combinations thereof.
 29. The video endoscopicsystem according to claim 26 wherein upon connection of said camera tosaid camera control unit, said camera control unit receives a cameraidentifier identifying the connected camera and said camera control unitconfigures itself to be compatible with said connected camera.
 30. Thevideo endoscopic system according to claim 26 wherein said cameracontrol unit further comprises a first input for receiving image datahaving a first signal format and a second input for receiving image datahaving a second signal format that is different from said image datahaving the first signal format.